MyNameIsNatalee

Hey I had my first fill today too! I asked the same about numbing the area and she said the doctor does not do that. I thought it was really going to hurt. It was only a sharp pinch and it was over. I got 3 cc bc he said there was already 2.5 cc in there. But so far so good. Had some string cheese that went down really well. But the doc got it on the first prick so if every fill goes like that I will be just fine.

Well I will tell you the process is horrible. Now that it is after June 1st I would recommend calling UHC and requesting a Care Cord. My Care Cord was Kathy Sweeny and her # is 1-866-534-7209 ex. 67391. I would may recommend contacting her if you do not get assigned to a cord. I also advise you to ask them to go thru everything with you about what will need to be done to get approved. I know I had to have a doctor recommend a weight-loss program bc you have to do one for 6 months. I did Jenny Craig. After the 6 month plan, the psych eval, nutrition class it took about 8 months. I didnt go to my consult with Dr. T until my last week of my 6 month program. That way everything was quick. I hope this does help. If anything else let me know! Good Luck!

:thumbup:Hey! I had the lap-band on May 21st with Dr. Touliatos! He is an amazing doctor sweet and handsome. This was my first surgery and the whole staff at the hospital are all soo nice and comforting. I would recommend him. Now Dr. Pennington did come around after my surgery to see how I was which I thought was nice. Their office staff is also wonderful. They give this binder at your consult to help you with the process. So either one of the two would be a great decision. GOOD LUCK!!!!

<======Birmingham, Alabama here! Having my surgery on May 22nd!

I also have UHC but I never went thru claims. I have a Care Coordinator who has helped me the whole way. I talked directly to her and if any information was needed it was faxed to her. She is the one who told me what I needed to do to get approval and I did. Also, she is the one who sent me my "approval" letter which I got 2 days after she said I was approved. So I would recommend talking to a care coordinator. Good Luck!:wub:

:w00t:Hey all you May Bandsters!! I am scheduled for May 22nd (WOO-HOO!) and is super excited!!!:tt2:

Hey yall! I am right there with you on May 22nd! I'm excited but of course not looking foward to that liquid diet! lol.

I first started with Dr. Cottingham but then found out that he was not a Center Of Excellence that United Healthcare required the surgeon to be. Now I am having it done by Dr. Touliatos at Trinity Medical Center which is a center of excellence. But Dr. Cottingham does have a seminar that you can attend...Good Luck!

:clap2::clap2:Hi my name is Natalee and also from Bham. I am awaiting insurance approval right now but could not be more excited. I'm actually going to Brookwood with Dr. Cottingham. He used to do gastric but has since changed to the band. I super excited and wish all the best of luck!!

Hi Everyone! My name is Natalee and i'm from Birmingham, AL. I am 21 and has been over-weight my whole life. I have tried everything you can name and nothing has worked. But when I found out about the Lap-Band I knew it was something for me. So I found this board and was very excited. I would like to say that because of the Board I have gotten all the information that I have needed to start my journey with the Lap-Band. I had my doctors consultation today and now the waiting on the health insurance approval starts. I'm very excited!